One killed, two injured in U.S. Steel plant explosion outside Detroit

ECORSE, MI -- Antonino Palazzolo, 32, a remote control locomotive operator, died in an explosion at the U.S. Steel plant in Ecorse overnight Saturday, says Courtney Boone, a spokeswoman for the Pittsburgh-based company. Two others suffered nonfatal injuries.

"Steelmaking operations have been interrupted," Boone said in an email to MLive Detroit. "The incident is being investigated by the company in conjunction with the United Steelworkers and the appropriate regulatory agencies.

"The company expresses their sincerest condolences to the Palazzolo family."

Ecorse Firefighter Kolbe -- he would not provide his first name -- wouldn't discuss the incident.

"We're a different world," he said. "We don't typically give out information about our incidents."

Kolbe said to call back Monday to speak with the fire chief.

Police Sgt. Howard -- he too wouldn't provide a first name -- said he a "hot steel ladle" full of molten steel "tipped over and caused a fire."

He said the incident is under investigation and declined to give any further details.

The Great Lakes Works facility located along the Detroit River in Ecorse and River Rouge is listed as a finishing plant on the company website.